Migrant crossings through treacherous Darien Gap drop to near zero amid Trump's immigration crackdown
WASHINGTON, DC: The Darien Gap, a 60-mile, hellish stretch of jungle that once saw tens of thousands of migrants clawing their way from Colombia into Panama, has gone eerily quiet.
The change can be attributed to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown that’s closing loopholes and turning away hopeful border-hoppers effectively.
Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino isn’t playing games either. He’s promised to shut the whole deadly passage down. According to fresh figures from both the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Panama’s National Migration Service, the approach is working. Only 10 migrants made the trek through the gap in all of June.
Darien Gap crossings see more than a 99.98% drop compared to a peak under Joe Biden's administration
In August 2023, under Joe Biden, the Darien Gap saw more than 82,000 migrants push through in a single month.
Officials say this jaw-dropping 99.98% drop is the result of hardline border policies that are finally scaring people off before they enter the jungle deathtrap, which is "notorious for exposing migrants, including children and the most vulnerable, to sexual abuse, trafficking, and exploitation."
"In Panama’s Darien Gap, migrants are now turning BACK before they even reach our border — only 10 migrants crossed in June," said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin on Thursday, July 31.
"This is more than a 99.98% drop from the Biden high when 82,000 illegal aliens crossed in a single month. The world is hearing our message that America’s borders are closed to lawbreakers. Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have the most secure border in American history."
White House spokesperson says Donald Trump's strategy is the real reason behind drop in Darien Gap crossings
The White House says zero illegal migrants are being released into the US.
In a Friday statement to Fox News Digital, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson took a swing at the experts still scratching their heads over the migrant nosedive.
"While immigration ‘experts’ and the mainstream media speculate over why fewer migrants are trying to illegally enter the United States, the real reason is evident to anyone paying attention, including the migrants themselves: President Trump," she said.
"Word of the United States’ secure border has spread so far around the world that migrants aren’t even willing to make the dangerous journey to get here because they know they’ll be turned away. In recent months, Border Patrol has released zero illegal aliens into the United States. That’s a stat known all the way from here to the Darien Gap," Jackson added.
McLaughlin doubled down, saying the administration is not just stopping the inflow, they’re actively kicking people out.
"President Trump and Secretary Noem have been clear: If you come to our country illegally, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you. That’s a promise," she said Friday.
Migrants who choose to self-deport will receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus
DHS pushes illegal migrants to leave on their own, all with a $1,000 parting gift.
Not only is Trump locking the gates, but they’re also waving cash at folks already inside the country if they agree to pack up and leave. The CBP Home App, a new deportation self-checkout lane for undocumented immigrants, offers attractive benefits.
"With the most secure border in American history, DHS is focused on deporting those who break our nation’s laws," the department said Thursday.
The app books you a free ride home and sweetens the deal with a $1,000 exit bonus, paid once your return is confirmed.
"If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home," DHS said. "Illegal aliens who use the CBP Home App to self-deport also receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app."
